What is Nanosolar?
Founded in 2002, Nanosolar operates as a specialized manufacturer of thin-film solar cells and panels. By utilizing an advanced industrial printing process to coat CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenium) and nanoparticle inks onto aluminum foil, the company creates highly versatile solar cells. With manufacturing operations spanning San Jose, California, and Berlin, Germany, Nanosolar is positioned as a key player in the global transition toward sustainable energy infrastructure, focusing on high-efficiency, low-cost solar power delivery.
How much funding has Nanosolar raised?
Nanosolar has raised a total of $470M across 5 funding rounds:
Series A
$5M
Series B
$20M
Series C
$75M
Series D
$300M
Unspecified
$70M
Series A (2003): $5M with participation from Benchmark Capital, Stanford University, and U.S. Venture Partners
Series B (2005): $20M led by OnPoint, Mitsui & Co., Benchmark Capital, and Mohr Davidow Ventures
Series C (2006): $75M supported by Capricorn Holdings and Benchmark
Series D (2008): $300M featuring EDS, Beck Energy, GLG Partners, Omidyar Network, Energy Capital Partners, EDF Ventures, Grazia Equity, The Skoll Foundation, Riverstone Holdings, and Carlyle Group
Unspecified (2012): $70M backed by Mohr Davidow Ventures and OnPoint Technologies
Key Investors in Nanosolar
Benchmark Capital
A premier venture capital firm known for its early-stage investments in transformative technology companies and its long-term partnership approach with founders.
U.S. Venture Partners
A prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm dedicated to collaborating with entrepreneurs to develop transformative companies across cybersecurity, enterprise software, and healthcare.
Carlyle Group
A global investment firm specializing in private equity with a diverse portfolio spanning buyouts, growth capital, and real estate across multiple international markets.
What's next for Nanosolar?
Following this major strategic investment, Nanosolar is expected to prioritize the optimization of its automated panel assembly facilities and the expansion of its global distribution network. As the company moves beyond its initial development phases, the focus shifts toward achieving economies of scale in its printing-based manufacturing process. By leveraging its established network of institutional backers, Nanosolar aims to solidify its market position as a provider of cost-competitive, high-performance solar solutions for both commercial and utility-scale applications.
See full Nanosolar company page
